Gym vs Cycling

[Penny4]

Cycling wins, every time! However, today's weather was pretty grim looking, so I decided to go to the gym instead. I haven't been there in ages, but keep my membership since it's only $10/month.

I did the elliptical for a while, and then the recumbent bike. (I find their regular upright bikes very uncomfortable.)

I left feeling very unsatisfied...like I hadn't really pushed myself the way I do on a long weekend ride.

What exercise/equipment do you use when you can't get on the bike?

[Blueberry]

I do elliptical and weights (mostly functional exercises) usually. I gauge the elliptical by heart rate. Sometimes I swim (depending on how crowded things are).

[Crankin]

I take a boot camp/functional fitness training class twice a week. Otherwise, I'm outside.
In the dead of winter, I might take a spin class or go to yoga class. I decide between spin class or my own bike on the trainer at home by the needs of my schedule. I also have a treadmill at home, so no need for the gym there. I'm also outside most of the time in the winter, whether it's snow shoeing, nordic skiing, or running.

[Catrin]

I take a functional fitness/metabolic training class twice a week all year, if the weather is bad I will work out on my own for a third session during the week or take a Bosu class.

In the winter I will use my bike trainer at home, but I don't use the cardio equipment at the gym. I am just not a fan of machines - and I ride outside in the winter as often as the weather will allow. I plan to do a bit more walking/jogging at the gym this winter as my body allows. Cold air is an asthma trigger for me so I have to be careful.

[zoom-zoom]

I'll run in just about anything, as long as it's not super icy. I've even biked as cold as 18º with a bit of snow and ice and slop with studded tires. But most of my Winter rides have been on the indoor trainer. I definitely don't push myself hard unless I'm doing a Sufferfest workout.

This Winter I hope to have a mountain bike with disc brakes. I assume I can get studded tires for that. I'd ride my CX bike in the Winter, more, but I do NOT like the almost complete lack of braking ability once my rims ice up. With disc brakes that wouldn't be an issue.

[tealtreak]

ROW!!!! it will kick your tail and uses the opposing muscle groups from cycling (:

[nscrbug]

I'm a gym rat...always have been, always will be. My riding days are Sat, Sun, & Mon. The rest of the week, I'm at the gym doing cardio and weights. At the gym, I use the Stairmaster, treadmill, 2 kinds of elliptical machines, and 2 kinds of stationary upright bikes. I also take a spin class 1x a week (I'd do more, but I don't care for any of the other instructors). And on Fridays, I swim laps at a local outdoor pool in the summer months (I loathe swimming in indoor pools!).

Linda

[Owlie]

I hate the gym. I get bored easily.

If I can't ride, I hit the trainer, but not so much in summer. I do some yoga and I should consider adding other stuff.

[maryellen]

stair mill (the one that's like a mini escalator that you have to keep up with)--either long and steady or intervals for a shorter time. ouch

[indysteel]

I run inside and out during from late fall to early spring. I also have a home spin bike. I have practiced yoga for about 6 years and do resistance and core work with a trainer twice each week. I love to ride, but I tend to think that it needs to be balanced out with other activities. There are a number of muscle groups that get underworked or not worked at all on the bike. Plus, it's not weight bearing. Cycling just doesn't check all the necessary boxes for me, nor does just cardio.

[Dogmama]

stair mill (the one that's like a mini escalator that you have to keep up with)--either long and steady or intervals for a shorter time. ouch

+1

I'm a bit of a gym rat also & regularly visit to lift weights. That way, when the weather is nasty, I'm not feeling out of my element in the gym.